Alice Munro's Deep-Holes

In her short story “Deep-Holes,” author Alice Munro vividly describes Sally, a mother of three children who is married to Alex a famous and successful geologist. Munro describes Sally as a admirable woman with impeccable traits that has accepted her role in society. Sally is selfless and willing when it comes to providing for her husband and children, she often has to multi-task with all the work she is accountable for. With enthusiasm and grace, Sally is able to excel at her duties and responsibilities as a mother,wife and women. Sally is capable of seeing hope in a troublesome and uncomfortable situation, her optimism shines within her personality. Munro portrays Sally as a role model by the way she is able to withstand the aggression of

Sally’s motherly instincts take over the picnic when it comes to her boys, “She couldn't slow down till she had her sons in sight” (96). Having two sons and a daughter, Sally often has to juggle between tasks, “She got Savanna latched onto one side and with her free hand unfasted the picnic basket”(97). Although breastfeeding and having to feed the rest of the family Sally is relaxed and attempts to please the entire family. Sally makes sure to separate the homemade made sandwiches with the mustard the kids, Alex, and she prefers. Sally’s sons make rude comments when she breast feeds such as “Glug-glug I’m thirsty roo”(98).Along with dismissing the food she took time to prepare “[ignored] the devilled eggs and crab salad”(98). It is clear Sally’s sons are not grateful for the hard work she has put into planning the picnic meal. Sally ignores the unfair way she is treated by her kids and maintains her goal in mind of satisfying them. Munro is invested in Sally by her persistence and willingness to care for her children

Sally decides to meet her oldest son Kent after not being in touch for years following his decision to dropout of college. Kent is distant with his mother and does not approach Sally affectionately when they meet at the train station, “He did not embrace her” (110). Together they walked to the shelter Kent has been living in for years. Immediately after they settle down in Kent’s room he begins to verbally attack Sally for conforming to a lifestyle he does not approve of. In the eyes of Kent, Sally has been a bad mother and he judges her for it. At the shelter Kent is responsible for recycling bottles and begging for money in the streets both Kent and the shelter are struggling financially, that is why everyone who lives there has to contribute. After realizing he was not in his deceased father’s will, Kent leaves Sally to calm down from the surprising news and doesn't come back until half an hour later, Sally stays. Although Sally feels uncomfortable and wishes to leave she does not because “It would mean she would never see him again”(115). Kent is surprised Sally has not left and continues to be hurtful by not calling Sally mom, “You don't mind if i call you Sally? It just comes out easier.” (115). Realizing their conversation won’t be pleasant Sally decides to leave. After Kent's rant against how awful Sally is she says goodbye by “Maybe we'll stay in touch”.